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15 Mar Spring is in the air... [judson hamlin ] 15 Mar An Eared Grebe at Nummy's Island [Christopher Vogel ] 15 Mar On the Lesser Black-backed Gull plumages today [Sandra Keller ] 15 Mar Salem County - car birding [Sandra Keller ] 15 Mar Win Shafer to speak at Thursday's DVOC meeting ["F.Arthur McMorris" ] 15 Mar Fox Sparrows at Garret [Christopher Takacs ] 15 Mar Red-shouldereds Hawks at Great Swamp [Joan Detyna ] 15 Mar Eurasian wigeon [Steve & Cathy Fasciana ] 14 Mar Piping Plover at Cape May, Bucephalines along the bayshore, etc. [Christopher Vogel ] 14 Mar A short walk - kinglets, Yellow-rumped Warbler singing [Sandra Keller ] 14 Mar Negri-Nepote grassland, and a brief visit to Sandy Hook, 3/13/2010 [Susan Treesh ] 14 Mar No snow Celebration [Harvey Tomlinson ] 14 Mar Photos [twbt ] 14 Mar Ferry trip - 14 March [Tony Leukering ] 14 Mar FOS Pine Warbler-Spring Arrives RE: Not much going on today! [Bob Confer ] 14 Mar Chipping Sparrows ["susie r." ] 13 Mar Re: Not much going on today. [Michael Hiotis ] 13 Mar Not much going on today! [Rebecca Buck ] 13 Mar Upcoming Bergen County Audubon (BCAS) Meeting [Beth Goldberg ] 12 Mar Teal [Harvey Tomlinson ] 12 Mar First Bahamas Piping Plover Re-sighted. [Peter Doherty ] 12 Mar First Bahamas Piping Plover Re-sighted. [Peter Doherty ] 12 Mar Re: Listers & frowners [Phil Jeffrey ] 12 Mar Re: Listers & frowners [Ilene Schneider ] 12 Mar Re: Listers & frowners [Donna Schulman ] 12 Mar Monk Parakeets at Overpeck [Netanel Paley ] 12 Mar New Jersey birds vulnerable to climate change, federal report says [Cynthia Allen ] 12 Mar Re: Listers & frowners [Chase Schiefer ] 12 Mar Re: Listers & frowners [Kevin Inman ] 12 Mar Compulsive Birders, Listers, Counters, Picture Takers, Posters And Other Judgmentals... Please Lighten Up! ["Howard B. Eskin" ] 12 Mar Re: Killdeer in Basking Ridge [Richard Wolfert ] 12 Mar Killdeer in Basking Ridge ["Collins, John J" ] 12 Mar Shrike still in Meadowlands [Christopher Takacs ] 12 Mar More comments on listing(OT) [Yong Kong ] 12 Mar More comments on listing [Cindy Ahern ] 11 Mar Winter Reports for NJ Birds [Patrick Belardo ] 11 Mar more arriving birds - and not [Sandra Keller ] 11 Mar Blue Herons [Jim Reynolds ] 11 Mar Re: Listing,Birding & Frowning [Susan Treesh ] 11 Mar Listing,Birding & Frowning [Michael Hiotis ] 11 Mar Re: Rockaway Eurasian Wigeon [Daniel Brill ] 11 Mar Assiscong Marsh, Hunterdon County [Lillian Shupe ] 11 Mar Re: Avoid Feeding New Jersey s Birds if You Live in an Area Frequented by Black Bears [CATHY BLUMIG ] 11 Mar Listing [Harvey Tomlinson ] 11 Mar The State of the Birds: 2010 Report on Climate Change [Donna Schulman ] 11 Mar Fwd: Countable or Not [Theodore Chase ] 11 Mar birding Great Piece Meadows [Dan Poalillo ] 11 Mar Re: Countable or not? [Theodore Chase ] 11 Mar Re: Listing is frowned upon? [David Diaz ] 11 Mar Re: Listing is frowned upon? [Petersen ] 11 Mar Re: Listing is frowned upon? [Linda Gangi ] 11 Mar Avoid Feeding New Jersey s Birds if You Live in an Area Frequented by Black Bears [Michelle Ruggiero ] 11 Mar Countable or Not [Dennis Vollmar ] 11 Mar Re: Listing is frowned upon? [Greg Pasquariello ] 11 Mar Listing is frowned upon? [Fred V ] 11 Mar Brig + Barnegat Light additions, 03/9/10 [David Blinder ] 11 Mar OT - RFI - Safety of birding in AZ ["Barb S." ] 11 Mar Re: Countable or not? [Cindy Ahern ] 10 Mar Re: Fw: Listing is frowned upon? [Richard Wolfert ] 10 Mar Fw: Listing is frowned upon? [Rebecca Buck ] 10 Mar Listing is frowned upon? [William Petersen ] 10 Mar Re: Countable or not? [Donna Schulman ] 10 Mar Merrill Creek reservoir [twbt ] 10 Mar Various birds, various locations [Sandra McNicol ] 10 Mar Countable or not? [Steve Glynn ] 10 Mar Still more Black-headed Gulls in Cape May, etc. [Christopher Vogel ] 10 Mar Scotland Run Park; Gloucester County [Blake Mathys ] 10 Mar Re: Rockaway Eurasian Wigeon [Steve & Cathy Fasciana ] 10 Mar Re: OT: Florida [Jane Bader ] 10 Mar Re: OT: Florida [Steve Glynn ] 10 Mar OT - RFI - Safety of birding in AZ ["Barb S." ] 10 Mar Re: OT: Florida [Jane Bader ] 10 Mar Woodbridge Crow Roost [Patrick Belardo ] 9 Mar OT: Florida [Ilene Schneider ] 9 Mar Rockaway Eurasian Wigeon [Daniel Brill ] 9 Mar Barnegat Light and Huddy Park 3-9-10 [Shawn Wainwright ] Subject: Spring is in the air... From: judson hamlin <jhhamlin AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 21:28:07 -0400 And the vultures near Exit 9 on the Turnpike/Kennedy Blvd. in East Brunswick are pairing up. I witnessed what appeared to be territorial behavior when one pair landed on a billboard occupied by another pair. The interloping Black Vultures were chased away by the Turkey Vulture (male?) already on the sign. The BV's then flew off in tandem out of my vision. Charles Addams would approve. Judson Hamlin metuchen _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail is redefining busy with tools for the New Busy. Get more from your inbox. http://www.windowslive.com/campaign/thenewbusy?ocid=PID27925::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-US:WM_HMP:032010_2 How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: An Eared Grebe at Nummy's Island From: Christopher Vogel <glaucidium AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:10:34 -0700 An Eared Grebe spent this rainy afternoon at the south end of Nummy's Island. It ranged between the channel on the east side of Nummys, towards Champagne Island, and eventually made its way right to the north base of the toll bridge, where it was in the company of a couple of Horned Grebes. There were also some Horned Grebes in nearly breeding plumage at the north end of Nummy's Island, at the free bridge, and there are good numbers of moulting Common Loons and a few Red-throats in that neighborhood as well. American Oystercatchers are paired up, and undaunted by the miserable weather, really putting on a show of territoriality and pair-bonding. It was quite the treat snapping pictures of the Eared Grebe at about 30 yards while everywhere pipipipip-ing Oystercatchers were chasing each other around. Cheers CJV Cape May, NJ How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: On the Lesser Black-backed Gull plumages today From: Sandra Keller <sandrakeller AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 20:33:32 -0500 They both still had streaking on the back of the head and nape. Sandra Keller Barrington, NJ sandrakeller AT verizon.net How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Salem County - car birding From: Sandra Keller <sandrakeller AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 20:16:44 -0500 Hello, Well, it was on again - off again rain and drizzle most of the afternoon. Monday - 3-15-2010 - cloudy, north winds. Light rain and drizzle. And some dry spells. Highlights in brief: 2 TREE SWALLOWS - back at Mannington Marsh. Very late arriving. 6 drake WOOD DUCKS - Mannington. No Snow Geese - lowlight actually. 1630 RING-BILLED GULLS, 2 adult LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS, and 40+ immature HERRING GULLS - a fantastic feeding flock in a wet field in Pennsville. Very nice. No Laughing Gulls. I heard back in Cape May Point. No Osprey. My normal due back date is now. 3-13 one year. 3-18 another. None today. Again, I heard back at Jake's Landing. Still some wintering birds around like COMMON MERGS and immature BALD EAGLES. Not many CANADA GEESE though. That oil spill at Rt. 45 - Mannington Marsh looks like its cleaned up, but the booms are still at the north end of the marsh. I guess the authorities are being sure about any stray oil getting into the marsh. I am glad! The road to the observation deck is a muddy mess and half blocked by containers of dirt and oil. I wouldn't suggest that road for awhile yet. Nature notes - Red Maple trees starting to bloom. A nice red color to the trees. Good birding all. Sandra Keller Barrington, NJ sandrakeller AT verizon.net How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Win Shafer to speak at Thursday's DVOC meeting From: "F.Arthur McMorris" <mcmorris AT MAC.COM> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:35:00 -0400 The next meeting of the Delaware Valley Ornithological Club (DVOC) is this Thursday, March 18, 2010, at 7:30 PM at the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia, PA. Details at www.dvoc.org . Everyone is invited to attend. Visitors are always welcome. Featured speaker: Win Shafer, “Birds of the Appalachian Trail” DVOC member Win Shafer and his son Blake (AKA Birdman and Li’l Wayne) spent 4 1/2 months in 2009 through-hiking the entire 2175 miles of the Appalachian Trail from Springer Mountain, Georgia to Mt. Katahdin, Maine. Being in the mountains and woods in many different life zones during spring migration afforded incomparable opportunities for bird observation. Win will give a travelogue of his unique adventure and birding experience. Also: Bert Filemyr -"In the Field: Bonaparte’s Gulls and Black-headed Gulls" Art McMorris Bala-Cynwyd, Montgomery County, PA Vice President, DVOC How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Fox Sparrows at Garret From: Christopher Takacs <Uschris AT AOL.COM> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:46:33 EDT I spent an hour or so around the pond at Garret as well as driving to the Overlook Meadow. Around the pond 12 Fox Sparrows were seen, 11 in 1 tree at one time, 2 singing. Brush near the south side of the Meadow had 2 more for a total of 14!. Other birds of note, singing Field Sparrow, Hermit Thrush, probably a wintering one in the same location as one I've had since December, Red-shouldered Hawk. Pete Both reported Phoebe and Great Blue Heron on Thursday before the deluge. Some trails at Garret are in rough shape, lots of trees down. We lost probably the healthiest hemlock in the park to this storm. Chris Takacs _http://friendsofgarretmountain.blogspot.com/_ (http://friendsofgarretmountain.blogspot.com/) How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Red-shouldereds Hawks at Great Swamp From: Joan Detyna <jdetyna AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:07:45 -0400 At lunchtime today a pair of red-shouldered hawks were engaged in courtship and attempted to mate. They were near the education center at the northeastern part of Great Swamp Sent from my iPhone How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Eurasian wigeon From: Steve & Cathy Fasciana <sfasciana AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 10:10:52 -0700 The Eurasian wigeon continues at Mount Hope Lake on Monday, 3/15 as of noon.   Steve Fasciana Rockaway, NJ How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Piping Plover at Cape May, Bucephalines along the bayshore, etc. From: Christopher Vogel <glaucidium AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 15:54:06 -0700 A dapper Piping Plover was at South Cape May Meadows this evening, foraging along the edge of the rain puddle which forms in the dune swales whenever there is a good easterly blow. 'Bout time! Winter just got a little sand-colored, orange-legged, breast-banded stake driven through its icy heart. Otherwise, a handsome pair of Blue-winged Teal was good to see in the Meadows, since the last week or so there have been two hens paling around together sans drake. A run up the bayshore turned up single hen Common Goldeneye at Beaver Swamp, the "back" impoundment at Heislerville, and at Turkey Point. Interesting that each of the three was more or less by its lonesome, and in quiet freshwater. (Though the one at Heislervile was loosely associating with a flock of Bufflehead). 220 or so Bufflehead was a nice count at Heislerville, and there were probably another 30-40 around Turkey Point. One pair of Common Mergs at Turkey Point were the only ones I could squeak up, and a lone Osprey at the end of Maple Ave was also nice to see. Cheers, CJV Cape May, NJ How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: A short walk - kinglets, Yellow-rumped Warbler singing From: Sandra Keller <sandrakeller AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 20:13:21 -0500 Hello, Sunday afternoon - 3-14-10. Cloudy, light winds. The rain had stopped so off I go for a short walk around the NP dredge spoils in Gloucester County. A muddy mess, but very birdy. Highlights in brief: 1 singing YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER - perhaps 10 birds for the afternoon. But just the one singing. FOX SPARROWS - many singing. 6 GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS - more than I have seen in a long while here. I guess they are moving around now. 30+ ROBINS - strewn out on the ballfield grass feeding. I haven't seen flocks up here in awhile. I thought everything up here was on territory. 2 COMMON LOONS - on the Delaware River. A couple days early, so I changed my records for the date. Now that they are back, they should be readily seen on the Delaware in the county for a couple months. BUFFLEHEAD - on the river. No Canvasback. Not much inside the dikes - don't know why as lots of water. Nature notes - Spring Peeper calling! Good birding all. Sandra Keller Barrington, NJ sandrakeller AT verizon.net How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Negri-Nepote grassland, and a brief visit to Sandy Hook, 3/13/2010 From: Susan Treesh <sktreesh AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 16:52:05 -0400 Hi Jerseybirders, decided to wander around and view the effects of this amazing storm. First trekked off to our own little dam on our development's property in Somerset. It was flooding, but the overflow was moving pretty freely. Only a pair of Canadas and a pair of mallards on it. Then I drove to Negri-Nepote, where the pond was higher than I've ever seen it - with the same species, a pair of Canadas and a pair of mallards. But there was also a visit from a pair of FOY TREE SPARROWS, spending a few minutes to dodge and dip over the pond. And spring peepers were sounding off! With some trepidation, I drove off to Sandy Hook, but met with no impediments other than a short detour in Atlantic Highlands due to a downed wire. The Hook was open only to the ranger checkpoint - they said there was flooding further on. I thought the road looked as though it had been overswept during the night, there was so much sand on it in places the surface was not visible. I watched some LONG-TAILED DUCKS ride the waves just beyond the breakers. No worries for them, even as they were lifted up and down by some pretty impressive waves that broke just beyond their positions. A couple of OYSTERCATCHERS flew by on the oceanside. There were some HORNED GREBES mixed in with the RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS and BLACK DUCKS off the boardwalk. I photographed a bare tree absolutely covered with CEDAR WAXWINGS who were picking off berries in the adjacent eastern red cedars. The Raritan is doing some major flooding as visible from the I-287 bridge. Bound Brook is cut off. Susan Treesh Somerset How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: No snow Celebration From: Harvey Tomlinson <ShearH2Os AT AOL.COM> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 16:49:45 EDT Hi Jersey Birders, Basking Ridge had 5.3 inches of rain yesterday ! And while naming all the new "lakes " in the back yard this morning I was celebrating the fast that it wasn't snow. And while musing the 50 inches of snow we might have had I notice the neighborhood birds all splashing around in the numerous puddles. You would have thought they would have had enough yesterday. I guess it was their way of celebrating no snow also. I decide to grab my bins and boots and go join them.... Round Valley Res had a few Bufflehead, Mallards, a solo Ruddy, and a Lesser Scaup pair. I had my FOY Brown Creeper there too. Peepers and Wood frogs were calling at Spruce Run. Happy Daylight Savings ! Harvey Tomlinson Basking Ridge _http://www.flickr.com/photos/shearh2o/_ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/shearh2o/) How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Photos From: twbt <twbt AT OPTONLINE.NET> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 16:38:47 -0400 (Add Common Goldeneye to the list.) I posted the photos from my visit to the reservoir. http://picasaweb.google.com/gnxlgnxl/MerrillCreekReservoir I also posted some photos of a recent visit to Lake Takanassee http://picasaweb.google.com/gnxlgnxl/LakeTakanassee2# Tom twbt wrote: > I visited Merrill Creek today and saw the huge flock of Snow Geese. I > was able to get the ID numbers off a few neck bands and reported them > to the USGS Bird Banding Laboratory. > Merrill Creek Reservoir: > - Snow Geese > - Ring-necked > - Bufflehead > - Scaup > - Ruddy > - American Wigeon > - American Black > - Cardinal > - Northern Pintail > - Crows > > Tom > > How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Ferry trip - 14 March From: Tony Leukering <greatgrayowl AT AOL.COM> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 15:15:14 -0400 Hi all: Don Freiday and I (along with Kathy and Roger Horn and Warren Cairo and his friend Claudia (sorry, I don't know her last name)) took a round-trip ride on the Cape May-Lewes ferry today. With three days of more-than-brisk east winds and calmish winds today, we though that there'd be a reasonable chance for alcids, particularly Razorbil, it being alcid month for NJ. The best plans of mice and men (and women) -- 'twas not to be. We did see 1000s of scoters -- mostly Blacks on the NJ side and Surfs on the DE side. There were a couple of adult Great Cormorants on the Lewes walls and an American Coot inside the inner wall at Lewes. Other NJ highlights included five flyby Common Eiders, 35+ American Oystercatchers, a small number of Laughing Gulls, good numbers of Red-throated Loons, and nearly 10 Horned Grebes. Finally, this is obviously not 2009 and is definitely not 2008, as our grand total of Northern Gannets was three. Tony Leukering Villas, NJ How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: FOS Pine Warbler-Spring Arrives RE: Not much going on today! From: Bob Confer <parula9 AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 10:18:50 -0400 Had a Pine Warbler on our peanut butter/suet this am 3/14 at 9:30. It's been eating the fat mix now for several years. Earliest ever was 3/8 a couple times. Bob Confer Southampton, NJ Pinelands > Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 18:59:52 -0500 > From: Catbird17 AT COMCAST.NET > Subject: [JerseyBirds] Not much going on today! > To: JerseyBirds AT Princeton.EDU > > I did have my Carolina Wren searching for food on the West side of the house, a few grackles trying hard to get something nutritious, and the Juncos and White-throated Sparrows and Mourning Doves working a small patch of seed I put out. Crows sitting in the trees waiting and hoping. Must be a challenge, this kind of weather. > > Rebecca Buck > Somerset, NJ > > How to report NJ bird sightings: _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Trusted email with Microsoft’s powerful SPAM protection. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/210850552/direct/01/ How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Chipping Sparrows From: "susie r." <njt456 AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 08:01:49 -0400 A few Chipping Sparrows showed up at the feeder yesterday in all that rain; the Carolina Wren reappeared after an absence of about 10 days; no White-Throated or American Tree sparrows were around yesterday. The Am. Trees sparrows have only appeared during snowstorms. The House Finches and Juncos are making delightful music. Susie R. Tewksbury/Califon How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Re: Not much going on today. From: Michael Hiotis <mhiotis1 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 17:21:07 -0800 Hey Folks, A slog thru the Great Swamp early PM had high water on the way as in record levels maybe.The ducks were lovin' it: 20 Green-winged Teal Mallards,Woodys 61 Ring-necked Ducks(2 groups) Nor. Shoveler Pintail .....had a decent flock of mixed Blackbirds but could never keep my bins out of the rain to "see" them.A flock of 200 +. Glenhurst Meadows(aka Warren Green Acres) had high water for sure. The geese were loafing on the gravel garden lot.The hay field is flooded and if planning on a walk here be prepared to" boot up",way up.This water will take 3-4 weeks to recede if it Does Not rain again. Mike Hiotis Martinsville NJ How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Not much going on today! From: Rebecca Buck <Catbird17 AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 18:59:52 -0500 I did have my Carolina Wren searching for food on the West side of the house, a few grackles trying hard to get something nutritious, and the Juncos and White-throated Sparrows and Mourning Doves working a small patch of seed I put out. Crows sitting in the trees waiting and hoping. Must be a challenge, this kind of weather. Rebecca Buck Somerset, NJ How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Upcoming Bergen County Audubon (BCAS) Meeting From: Beth Goldberg <Goldbug310 AT AOL.COM> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 08:29:08 EST Join BCAS on March 17th for our next meeting as local favorites, author Jim Wright and photographer Kevin Watson, will share stories and photos that resulted in their new book about the world's first raptor sanctuary, "Hawk Mountain." Programs are open to the public free of charge and are presented at Flat Rock Brook Nature Center, 443 Van Nostrand Ave., Englewood, NJ. Starting time 8:00 PM. Beth Goldberg Fair Lawn How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Teal From: Harvey Tomlinson <ShearH2Os AT AOL.COM> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 20:24:35 EST HI Jersey Birders, Last Sat 3/6/10 I shot a flight series of some teal that took of from a pool at Cape May Point St Park. I didn't pay a lot of attention too it until tonight and it seems I have captured a female Blue-winged Teal with very dark underwings. Not typical for either of the teals. While looking thru some guides I happened to notice Female Cinnamon Teal is very similar. I have nominal experience w/ Cinnamon, so some pointers would be great. Good Birding, Harvey Tomlinson Basking Ridge _http://www.flickr.com/photos/shearh2o/_ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/shearh2o/) How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: First Bahamas Piping Plover Re-sighted. From: Peter Doherty <leasttern AT hotmail.com> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 18:59:10 -0500 Greetings, all: They are coming. Quickly; soon. The initial resighting of a Piping Plover marked on February 17, 2010 on Andros Island, The Bahamas was made (and photographed) in Duval County, FL today by Pat Leary. It is ~440 air miles between those points. A picture and additional information will be posted on the First Landing blog at www.cvwo.org. Peter Doherty leasttern AT hotmail.com _______________________________________________ Maine-birds mailing list Maine-birds AT colby.edu http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds Subject: First Bahamas Piping Plover Re-sighted. From: Peter Doherty <leasttern AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 18:59:10 -0500 Greetings, all: They are coming. Quickly; soon. The initial resighting of a Piping Plover marked on February 17, 2010 on Andros Island, The Bahamas was made (and photographed) in Duval County, FL today by Pat Leary. It is ~440 air miles between those points. A picture and additional information will be posted on the First Landing blog at www.cvwo.org. Peter Doherty leasttern AT hotmail.com How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Re: Listers & frowners From: Phil Jeffrey <phil.jeffrey AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 18:51:53 -0500 This is perhaps because "lister" is being defined too broadly. I think you want to read it as having the same meaning as "Twitcher" ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twitcher ) A lister could be defined as someone who pursues birding mostly/solely for the purpose of building a (life, county, year, whatever) list. Sometimes that is associated with behaviors that are undesirable - whether it's the bush-rattlers disturbing the bird, or people that trespass or walk into closed areas, people that tape in endangered species during breeding season etc. This stuff is not urban legend. Fred V's post also identifies additional indirect effects, but these are things that afflict most of the birding that we all do. Listing, more than other sorts of birding, is likely to have a larger net negative impact on the environment, birds in general or specific individual birds. Perhaps more closely identified with the latter. If I fly to FL just to see the Red-footed Booby and add it to my US and World lists I consume far more resources than if I drive the 3 miles to Pole Farm and watch Meadowlarks or the American Kestrel. Better still if I bicycle to Pole Farm. Since I do keep my own lists, do enjoy seeing outlier (rare, exceptional) species, I'm not a "frowner" but I think it's naive to think that everything we do while birding has a net positive effect. It's probably quite the contrary. Phil Jeffrey Princeton/Ewing How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Re: Listers & frowners From: Ilene Schneider <iss50 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 14:30:47 -0800 It was Snetsinger, the ultimate obsessive-compulsive lister, who told the story about the Brit who ticked without identifying.   I used to keep lists when I'd go somewhere like Brig, but only which species were seen (sometimes heard, but not often - I have terrible auditory memory and discrimination), not the numbers of birds or other details. Now, I only make a comprehensive list when I go somewhere for the first time. Otherwise, I just add lifers. I wish I had been a bit more detailed with my lifelist from the beginning, though, and added the date and place a bird was first seen.   Ilene Schneider Marlton How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Re: Listers & frowners From: Donna Schulman <queensgirl30 AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 14:50:19 -0500 I think "listing" first became a derogatory term (to some) in the early days of Life Lists and Big Years, when birders began officially registering their lists with the ABA and competing with one another. (I know the idea of competition is also seldom acknowledged, but if you read birding histories and autobiographies like Mark Obmascik's The Big Year and Phoebe Snetsinger's Birding on Borrowed Time, that is what it was. And, there is nothing wrong with that, in my opinion.) There was one birder, a Brit, who amassed a huge life list, but who was said not to be able to really identify most of the birds he saw. He hired guides, spent lots of money, and really irritated other birders. He was doing it for the tick, not for the love of the bird. I don't have any of my books handy at the moment, so I can't be any more specific, maybe some other NJbirder wants to fill in the blanks? So, I think the frowning on the listing comes from that sort of imbalance. And, I can see where leaving a huge carbon footprint is also a minus. I enjoy the listing. I love the birding too. I love seeing my yardbirds everyday and I love getting in the car to drive for several hours to find a treasure. And yes, I admit it, to then tell my friends, birders and non-birders about it. Listing adds structure and that little competitive edge to birding, and for some of us that makes it a little more fun. And, I think every birder needs to decide what works for him or her. Donna Schulman queensgirl30 AT gmail.com North Brunswick, NJ On Fri, Mar 12, 2010 at 1:54 PM, Chase Schiefer wrote: > Kevin I'm the exact same way. Life list somewhere around 450. I'm sure if i > had more time and more organizational skills I'd have a state list as well > but that's about it. eBird has greatly aided in organizing state and county > sightings for me. > I always have a guide handy, usually left in the car, but always readily > accessible. I feel the same about species names bringing back memories. > Tropical Parula, American Dipper, Parasitic Jaeger flying through flocks of > Black Terns, rainbows and storm clouds after a cold front just passed... ah > yes. > > > "We need wilderness because we are wild animals. Every man needs a place > where he can go to go crazy in peace. Every Boy Scout deserves a forest to > get lost, miserable, and starving in. Even the maddest murderer of the > sweetest wife should get a chance for a run to the sanctuary of the hills. > If only for the sport of it. For the terror, freedom, and delirium. Because > we need brutality and raw adventure, because men and women first learned to > love in, under, and all around trees, because we need for every pair of > feet > and legs about ten leagues of naked nature, crags to leap from, mountains > to > measure by, deserts to finally die in when the heart fails." ~ Edward Abbey > > Chase Schiefer > Bachmans' Ivory > Hazlet, New Jersey > > http://www.facebook.com/pages/Chase-Schiefer-Photography/337986295177?ref=ts > http://www.flickr.com/photos/bachmansivory/ > > > On Fri, Mar 12, 2010 at 1:37 PM, Kevin Inman wrote: > > > > > It's been interesting to see all the e-mails about this topic, but as yet > I > > haven't seen any real volume of comments from the "frowners". > > I would love to know if those who frown upon listing, bring field guides > > with them when birding? If you're just out for a Zen-like experience of > > appreciating birds for their shear beauty, what difference does it make > if > > you > > know what species you're observing? Just the act of identifying the > species > > benignly puts it on a list in one's brain. > > I only maintain a "life list" - no regional or seasonal. In looking > through > > my list, I experience joy in the same way I would while looking through > a > > photo album. The names of the species bring back good memories of days > > enjoyed in the field with friends or alone. > > > > How to report NJ bird sightings: > > > > How to report NJ bird sightings: > How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Monk Parakeets at Overpeck From: Netanel Paley <netanel48 AT OPTONLINE.NET> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 14:49:17 -0500 I birded the Henry Hoebel Area of Overpeck Park today from around 11:30 to 1:00. Nothing much around, but I saw 4 or 5 Monk Parakeets, with the two on the nest on Fort Lee Rd. Also a Red-tail soaring above. Good birding! Netanel Paley Teaneck, NJ How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: New Jersey birds vulnerable to climate change, federal report says From: Cynthia Allen <cynthiaja AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 13:57:06 -0500 http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/press/cape_may/article_93fb80f8-2d7f-11df-8298-001cc4c03286.html Ocean birds, including some that spend the winter off New Jersey, face the biggest threat from climate change, according to a federal report released Thursday. The 2010 State of the Birds, sponsored by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and several conservation groups, found that birds such as petrels, shearwaters and gannets are most at risk of suffering population crashes from rising sea levels and other consequences of climate change. But even common species in New Jersey such as the American oystercatcher and northern pintail duck could be at risk, the report said. How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Re: Listers & frowners From: Chase Schiefer <bachmans.ivory AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 13:54:22 -0500 Kevin I'm the exact same way. Life list somewhere around 450. I'm sure if i had more time and more organizational skills I'd have a state list as well but that's about it. eBird has greatly aided in organizing state and county sightings for me. I always have a guide handy, usually left in the car, but always readily accessible. I feel the same about species names bringing back memories. Tropical Parula, American Dipper, Parasitic Jaeger flying through flocks of Black Terns, rainbows and storm clouds after a cold front just passed... ah yes. "We need wilderness because we are wild animals. Every man needs a place where he can go to go crazy in peace. Every Boy Scout deserves a forest to get lost, miserable, and starving in. Even the maddest murderer of the sweetest wife should get a chance for a run to the sanctuary of the hills. If only for the sport of it. For the terror, freedom, and delirium. Because we need brutality and raw adventure, because men and women first learned to love in, under, and all around trees, because we need for every pair of feet and legs about ten leagues of naked nature, crags to leap from, mountains to measure by, deserts to finally die in when the heart fails." ~ Edward Abbey Chase Schiefer Bachmans' Ivory Hazlet, New Jersey http://www.facebook.com/pages/Chase-Schiefer-Photography/337986295177?ref=ts http://www.flickr.com/photos/bachmansivory/ On Fri, Mar 12, 2010 at 1:37 PM, Kevin Inman wrote: > > It's been interesting to see all the e-mails about this topic, but as yet I > haven't seen any real volume of comments from the "frowners". > I would love to know if those who frown upon listing, bring field guides > with them when birding? If you're just out for a Zen-like experience of > appreciating birds for their shear beauty, what difference does it make if > you > know what species you're observing? Just the act of identifying the species > benignly puts it on a list in one's brain. > I only maintain a "life list" - no regional or seasonal. In looking through > my list, I experience joy in the same way I would while looking through a > photo album. The names of the species bring back good memories of days > enjoyed in the field with friends or alone. > > How to report NJ bird sightings: > How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Re: Listers & frowners From: Kevin Inman <Thekralikkid AT AOL.COM> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 13:37:39 EST It's been interesting to see all the e-mails about this topic, but as yet I haven't seen any real volume of comments from the "frowners". I would love to know if those who frown upon listing, bring field guides with them when birding? If you're just out for a Zen-like experience of appreciating birds for their shear beauty, what difference does it make if you know what species you're observing? Just the act of identifying the species benignly puts it on a list in one's brain. I only maintain a "life list" - no regional or seasonal. In looking through my list, I experience joy in the same way I would while looking through a photo album. The names of the species bring back good memories of days enjoyed in the field with friends or alone. How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Compulsive Birders, Listers, Counters, Picture Takers, Posters And Other Judgmentals... Please Lighten Up! From: "Howard B. Eskin" <hbeskin AT VOICENET.COM> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 12:59:33 -0500 I wrote this poem a few years ago, when I started to run into other compulsive birders, listers, counters, picture takers, posters as well as some of the judgmental among us as a reminder to all of us to lighten up. I hope you will take it as it was intended: Please click on the following link: http://www.howardsview.com/Birds/Birds.html Howard B. Eskin Harleysville, PA How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Re: Killdeer in Basking Ridge From: Richard Wolfert <rwolfert AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 11:07:41 -0500 Two Killdeer also on a farm just south of the East Brunswick/South Brunswick border on Fresh Ponds Road. Brown Creeper in my yard, too. Rich Wolfert East Brunswick, NJ www.njnaturenotes.com -- On Mar 12, 2010, at 10:36 AM, Collins, John J wrote: > "Our" KILLDEER have arrived here in Basking Ridge. I saw one this > morning for the first time this season on the way into work. > > Spring is certainly in the air - in the last week I saw American Crows > and Common Grackles building nests and an American Robin has been > lording it over all other robins that dare to come into my back yard - > obviously setting up his usual territory for the season. Now where did > all that snow go?? :-) > > > John J. Collins > Raritan, NJ > jjcbird AT verizon.net > > How to report NJ bird sightings: How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Killdeer in Basking Ridge From: "Collins, John J" <john.j.collins AT VERIZON.COM> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 10:36:03 -0500 "Our" KILLDEER have arrived here in Basking Ridge. I saw one this morning for the first time this season on the way into work. Spring is certainly in the air - in the last week I saw American Crows and Common Grackles building nests and an American Robin has been lording it over all other robins that dare to come into my back yard - obviously setting up his usual territory for the season. Now where did all that snow go?? :-) John J. Collins Raritan, NJ jjcbird AT verizon.net How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Shrike still in Meadowlands From: Christopher Takacs <Uschris AT AOL.COM> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 09:12:00 EST Northern Shrike was seen today 7:30 AM on Disposal Rd. near the retention pond. He flew to the Eire Landfill just to the SW. Sat on the poles surrounding the landfill and flew chasing a sparrow to the locusts on the side of the hill. I saw 9 White-crowned Sparrows last evening in the grass and phrags across from the same pond. I saw 5 this morning in the same area. Both times 2 adults. Chris Takacs Lyndhurst How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: More comments on listing(OT) From: Yong Kong <yklitespeed AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 08:26:28 -0500 I envy and admire those birders who keep a list of birds. In my opining, they resort to the fields guides and other internet sources, etc. more so as to compare to a casual birder in order to confirm their sighting or in anticipation of adding one to the list. This only leads to continue learning about the characteristics/habitat/habits, etc. of a particular bird other wise may be missed. Only reason I do not keep a list is I do not have the organizational skills to maintain such a data. Yong Kong Sickerville, NJ yklitespeed AT comcast.net How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: More comments on listing From: Cindy Ahern <songbird5212 AT MSN.COM> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 07:51:32 -0500 If lists were not kept, how would ornithologists study bird habits and migration in relation to climate change and species population fluctuations? I enjoy listing and making comparisons from year to year, and can tell you the arrival and departure dates for most of the migratory species in and around my neighborhood. I keep a local township list that I have presented as supportive documentation to preserve a parcel of land as open space where I found two species of special concern breeding. When I was working on the Breeding Bird Atlas here in PA, my neighbor handed me a bird guide and lists from 1970, that her mother kept when she owned the property. There were birds on the list that were regularly observed that are no longer found on the property. One example is Indigo Bunting, a species that would not be expected in this habitat that is now mature trees, but 40 years ago was young trees and scrub. Just another way to look at listing...list, don't list, but do keep the safety of the bird and the preservation of its habitat the first priority! Peace, Cindy Ahern Huntingdon Valley, Montgomery Co., PA How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Winter Reports for NJ Birds From: Patrick Belardo <pbelardo AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 19:38:47 -0800 Hi Everyone, The winter season for the NJ Birds publication ended on Feb. 28. Please send me reports of notable sightings, high counts, low counts, etc. for region 2 from Dec-Feb. Photos of rare birds are also appreciated. Photos should be in JPEG format and high resolution. Please send reports by March 26. For more info on NJ Birds or to read recent issues, go here: http://www.njaudubon.org/SectionResearch/NewJerseyBirds.aspx That site also lists the contact info for the other regions. I'm sure the other regional editors would appreciate reports as well.  Patrick Belardo pbelardo-at-yahoo Piscataway, NJ http://www.hawkowlsnest.com How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: more arriving birds - and not From: Sandra Keller <sandrakeller AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 19:08:45 -0500 Thursday - 3-11-10. Light S winds. Partly sunny - hazy. 60 degrees or so. And still no Tree Swallows for me in Gloucester County...... Wow. And to think I have had Tree Swallows back at the end of Feb. in some years. KILLDEER - calling at night at my work. ROBINS - ditto. In fact, I haven't had anything but one or two ROBINS per house up here. No big flocks. All back on the breeding territories. HOUSE SPARROWS - chasing each other around. Well, they count too. Etc. Phoebe, Osprey, Laughing Gull, and singing Pine Warbler should be my next birds "back". A lot depends on where I bird and the weather this weekend! Good birding all. Sandra Keller Barrington, NJ sandrakeller AT verizon.net How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Blue Herons From: Jim Reynolds <james.v.reynolds AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:59:06 -0500 For the second day in a row, a large group of Great Blue Herons (>12) was roosting high in the top of a tree on SB Rt 55 near at the interchange with Rt 47 (exit 56). Pretty awesome sight. Talk about distracted driving... Jim Reynolds Wash Twp (Glouco), NJ How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Re: Listing,Birding & Frowning From: Susan Treesh <sktreesh AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:16:16 -0500 Hear, hear! The voice of sanity, the sound of music. Susan Treesh Somerset Michael Hiotis wrote: > Today I birded Glenhurst Meadows and my list reached 34. > I was all alone,slopping thru mud.. looking for creatures I adore. > I consumed gas,food,water and air to escape the mighty throng. > It was just three steps,then I heard.. a Meadowlark in song. > > An Eastern Phoebe darted by and landed so I did see. > A first of season arriving bird that chipped emphatically. > The day slipped by so quick, but more birds I did hear sing. > One cannot frown when in the company of beauty on the wing! > > Happy to be able, > Mike Hiotis > Martinsville NJ > > > > > > How to report NJ bird sightings: > > How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Listing,Birding & Frowning From: Michael Hiotis <mhiotis1 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:09:12 -0800 Today I birded Glenhurst Meadows and my list reached 34.    I was all alone,slopping thru mud.. looking for creatures I adore. I consumed gas,food,water  and air to escape the mighty throng.    It was just three steps,then I heard.. a Meadowlark in song. An Eastern Phoebe darted by and landed so I did see.    A first of season arriving bird that chipped emphatically. The day slipped by so quick, but more birds I did hear sing.     One cannot frown when in the company of beauty on the wing! Happy to be able, Mike Hiotis Martinsville NJ How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Re: Rockaway Eurasian Wigeon From: Daniel Brill <dbbrill AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:03:28 -0500 The Eurasian wigeon continues at Mount Hope Lake on Thursday as of 2PM. Overall waterfowl numbers are down compared to the last couple days, though the diversity is still there. Dan Brill South River How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Assiscong Marsh, Hunterdon County From: Lillian Shupe <lrshupe AT FRONTIERNET.NET> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 22:59:57 +0000 Waterfowl was plentiful Many noisy Canada Geese taking up most of the water but lurking in the wooded area behind them were: Wood Duck Hooded Merganser Northern Pintail Gadwall Black duck Mallard Ring Necked Duck possible Am. wigeon but it didn't come out for a clear view. I saw some white near its head but it could have been a branch in front of a female Mallard. Also saw three Great Blue Herons and the first Red winged blackbird of the year. Lillian Shupe Lower Mt. Bethel Pa. How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Re: Avoid Feeding New Jersey s Birds if You Live in an Area Frequented by Black Bears From: CATHY BLUMIG <WOLGAST AT AESOP.RUTGERS.EDU> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:59:42 -0500 I would like to add that for any clubs/organizations who are looking for a meeting speaker Michelle does an OUTSTANDING presentation which outlines many topics that should be of interest to birders such as what to do if you encounter a bear while you're out birding, and other pertinent information. Not only is it highly informative and interesting, even better its FREE, a big plus for so many clubs and organizations that are cash-strapped these days. She provides some take-home information, too. You won't be disappointed! Cathy Blumig Somerset, NJ ----- Original Message ----- From: "Michelle Ruggiero" To: Sent: Thursday, March 11, 2010 11:35 AM Subject: [JerseyBirds] Avoid Feeding New Jersey s Birds if You Live in an Area Frequented by Black Bears The New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife reminds residents that with the onset of spring, black bears are emerging from their winter dens and actively searching for food. Residents living in areas frequented by black bears should take steps to avoid attracting bears with birdfeed, garbage or other foods. This is the best way to prevent black bears from becoming a nuisance near your home. Black bears learn very quickly and bears that are fed intentionally or unintentionally by carelessly leaving out food or garbage will associate people with food. Bears will eat almost anything including human food, garbage, pet food, birdseed and small livestock. Once they find an easily accessible food source, like garbage in a housing development, they will lose their wariness of people and may return to the available food source. One person feeding bears can create a problem bear that may affect the entire neighborhood. - Avoid feeding birds if you live in an area frequented by black bears. Birds will survive without the supplemental seed that attracts bears. Instead, consider attracting birds to backyards with nesting materials and birdhouses. - If you choose to feed birds, do so during daylight hours only, between December 1 and April 1, when bears are least active. - Suspend feeder from a free-hanging wire, making sure it is at least 10 feet off the ground and at least 10 feet away from the trunk of a tree. - Do not suspend feeders off of the house or deck. - Keep in mind that black bears are excellent climbers! - Bring bird feeders indoors at night. - Use spill pans to prevent seeds from reaching the ground. - Clean up spilled seeds and shells daily. - Store birdfeed within a secure location where bears are unlikely to see or smell it. To learn more about New Jersey's black bears, visit www.njfishandwildlife.com/bearfacts.htm. In addition to brochures and other information about living with black bears, the Division provides free bear education seminars to schools and civic groups. Michelle Ruggiero NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife Black Bear Education Program Michelle.Ruggiero AT dep.state.nj.us (908) 637-4125 How to report NJ bird sightings: = How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Listing From: Harvey Tomlinson <ShearH2Os AT AOL.COM> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:54:28 EST Hi Jersey Birders, As mentioned before listing is a personal issue. And last I heard there were no prizes being handed out for the biggest list, and luckily no penalties for the shortest so what does it matter ? As for the Florida Booby, as long as it's not a Blue-footed Booby dipped in red paint it is genetically a real live Red-footed Booby. Its free, healthy, and doing well. (nice job by the rehab staff) Now if your a stickler for rules and need to torture yourself over it you could ask the ABA to make ruling on it...or you could check it off and go have a celebratory beer ! Good Birding, Harvey Tomlinson Basking Ridge How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: The State of the Birds: 2010 Report on Climate Change From: Donna Schulman <queensgirl30 AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:22:07 -0500 The report *The State of the Birds: 2010 Report on Climate Change* was issued today: http://www.stateofthebirds.org/ From the news release: *Key findings* from the “State of the Birds” climate change report include: • Oceanic birds are among the most vulnerable species because they don’t raise many young each year; they face challenges from a rapidly changing marine ecosystem; and they nest on islands that may be flooded as sea levels rise. All 67 oceanic bird species, such as petrels and albatrosses, are among the most vulnerable birds on Earth to climate change. • Hawaiian birds such as endangered species Puaiohi and ’Akiapōlā’au already face multiple threats and are increasingly challenged by mosquito-borne diseases and invasive species as climate change alters their native habitats. • Birds in coastal, arctic/alpine, and grassland habitats, as well as those on Caribbean and other Pacific islands show intermediate levels of vulnerability; most birds in aridlands, wetlands, and forests show relatively low vulnerability to climate change. • For bird species that are already of conservation concern such as the golden-cheeked warbler, whooping crane, and spectacled eider, the added vulnerability to climate change may hasten declines or prevent recovery. • The report identified common bird species such as the American oystercatcher, common nighthawk, and northern pintail that are likely to become species of conservation concern as a result of climate change. [image: WhiteTailedTropicbird_ElenaBabij_p25.jpg] White-tailed Tropicbird by Elena Babij “Birds are excellent indicators of the health of our environment, and right now they are telling us an important story about climate change,” said Dr. Kenneth Rosenberg, director of Conservation Science at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. “Many species of conservation concern will face heightened threats, giving us an increased sense of urgency to protect and conserve vital bird habitat.” The report offers solutions that illustrate how, by working together, organizations and individuals can have a demonstrable positive impact on birds in the U.S. Specifically, the report indicates that the way lands are managed can mitigate climate change and help birds adapt to changing conditions. For example, conserving carbon-rich forests and wetlands, and creating incentives to avoid deforestation can reduce emissions and provide invaluable wildlife habitat. News Release: http://www.stateofthebirds.org/newsroom/2010-news-release Donn Schulman North Brunswick, NJ How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Fwd: Countable or Not From: Theodore Chase <chase_c AT AESOP.RUTGERS.EDU> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:36:21 -0500 I shouldn't have written before reading this! These rules would seem to disallow the Red-footed Booby, because of the phrase "occurrence is not because it has ever been transported or otherwise assisted by man". If this bird was transported to a rehab center, that seems to disqualify it. The rule does not indicate how much separation, in time or space, is necessary for a bird which has been "transported or otherwise assisted by man" to become countable. Nor does it indicate how little transportation disqualifies a bird, e.g. if you pick up a beached alcid and put it back in the water, does that disqualify it for anyone who sees it thereafter? On the other had, the ship-following Japanese Black- tailed Gull is cleared. The trouble with rules is that they bring on more discussion and hair-splitting. I had better stop. Ted Chase Princeton Begin forwarded message: > From: Dennis Vollmar > Date: March 11, 2010 10:35:10 AM EST > To: JerseyBirds AT Princeton.EDU > Subject: [JerseyBirds] Countable or Not > Reply-To: Dennis Vollmar > > Here are the ABA Big Day rules regarding countability as it > pertains to "wild, alive, unrestrained" birds. The unrestrained > part is probably most applicable to the discussion here. The full > list of rules are here http://www.aba.org/bigday/rules.pdf > > > > RULE 3:The bird must have been alive, wild, and unrestrained > when encountered. > A. “Alive” means after hatching. Eggs are not counted as live > birds. > > B. “Wild” means that the bird’s occurrence at the time and place > of observation is not because it, or its recent ancestors, has ever > been transported or otherwise assisted by man. > (i) An otherwise wild bird that voluntarily uses or is attracted to a > feeder, nest box, tape recorder, ship at sea, or other nonnatural > device without being captured is still considered to be wild. > Physical contact between an observer and a bird does not > automatically preclude a bird from being counted, as there are > situations where wild birds have learned to eat from outstretched > hands, or have used people as temporary perches. > (ii) A species observed far from its normal range may be counted > if in the observer’s best judgment and knowledge it arrived there > unassisted by man. A wild bird following or riding a ship at sea, > without being captured, is considered to be traveling unassisted by > man. > (iii) Birds descendant from escapes or released birds are > considered “wild” when they are part of a population which meets > the ABA definition of an established introduced population. > (iv) A bird that is not wild and which later moves unassisted to a > new location or undergoes a natural migration is still not wild. > > C. “Unrestrained” means not held captive in a cage, trap, > mistnet, hand, or by any other means and not under the influence > of such captivity. A bird is considered under the influence of > captivity after its release until it regains the activities and > movements of a bird which has not been captured. > (i) A bird is under the influence of captivity during its initial > flight > away from its release point and during subsequent activity > reasonably influenced by the captivity, such as initial perching > and preening or early sleeping or roosting near the release point. > (ii) A nocturnal species released during daylight which goes to > roost near the point of release is considered under the influence of > captivity until the next nightfall, when it has left its roost and > begun normal nocturnal activities. > > (iii) A wild bird that is injured, sick, oiled, or otherwise > incapacitated, but which retains a reasonable freedom of > movement, may be counted. > (iv) Banders working on licenced projects under proper permits > may count, for their personal lists, the birds that they band, > without the restrictions described in (i) and (ii). > > D. “When observed” means that a bird alive and unrestrained > when observed, but which later dies or is collected or captured, > may be counted. > > > > Dennis Vollmar > > Hillsborough, NJ > > How to report NJ bird sightings: How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: birding Great Piece Meadows From: Dan Poalillo <dapoal AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:37:35 -0500 Can anyone tell me about birding Great Piece? Is there a formal parking area? If so, where? What kinds of birds are present (at any time of the year, not just March)? I have passed the area many time, but never knew how to access it. Dan Maywood How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Re: Countable or not? From: Theodore Chase <chase_c AT AESOP.RUTGERS.EDU> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:24:09 -0500 I e-mailed Steve last night, but it seems JerseyBirds is discussing this. To me, the important aspect is that the bird made it to the vicinity of the rehab center on its own, and is thus a legitimate record for the state. If the center rehabbed a cage bird imported from South America, and that bird got away and became wild, it would not be a legitimate record for the state, just an escape. And if it is a legitimate record, why not count it, especially since it is hanging around the rehab center on its own? The really tough case is the bird which has made a free-flying passage to the U.S., but, say, following a ship (or possibly lighting on a ship in a storm). The Japanese Black-tailed Gull in San Diego Harbor some years ago was believed to have followed a ship right across the Pacific. Ted Chase Princeton How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Re: Listing is frowned upon? From: David Diaz <dmdiaz73 AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 12:19:56 -0500 And let's not forget that listers are an economic boom for some little out-of-the-way (and not so out-of-the-way) communities that happen to be hosting a rare or interesting bird. Motels, gas stations, convenient stores, restaurants, etc all benefit from this disease; which happens to strike me now and again too! David Diaz Ellenville, NY > Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 08:51:13 -0800 > From: ltgangi AT PEACEMAIL.COM > Subject: Re: Listing is frowned upon? > To: JerseyBirds AT Princeton.EDU > > I don't think listing in and of itself is frowned upon. Gee we would > not know anything about bird populations if we didn't keep track. > > When I first began birding I kept track of what I had seen and then I > stopped. Years later I found that list and realized that there were > birds that I was trying to find that I had already seen. Now that > shouldn't really make a difference since I enjoy seeing them again. But > I guess there is a lister gene in there somewhere that wants to keep > track of things and my brain wasn't quite sure what to do with the fact > that I had already seen it. So I think that both listing and just > downright appreciation of nature is a nice balance. I've listened to > people who sponsor bird walks and they prefer people that appreciate the > bird they are seeing and don't want to just move on to the next bird for > the sake of listing. Sometimes I purposely go out looking for a > specific bird, but I find mostly I like to just happen upon it, I find > it's more fun that way. It also cuts down on realizing you just spent 5 > hours looking for a bird that you have already seen. :) > > For four years I took youth teams out for World Series of Birding. Now > this is a big listing day. I remember one instance when we had a great > view of a Red-breasted Grosbeak and the kids didn't care because they > had already seen it. They couldn't just appreciate the bird's beauty it > was just a tick off on the sheet. I definitely didn't like that and > their parents didn't either. > > I hope this doesn't offend anyone because that is not my intention, for > me I like both the listing and appreciation of nature, it seems like a > nice balance, but that is me and everyone is different. > > > Linda Gangi > Manahawkin, NJ > > A man's interest in a single bluebird is worth more than a complete but > dry list of the fauna and flora of a town. > Henry David Thoreau > > > > <-----Original Message-----> > From: William Petersen [petersensharko AT EARTHLINK.NET] > Sent: 3/10/2010 11:23:53 PM > To: JerseyBirds AT Princeton.EDU > Subject: [JerseyBirds] Listing is frowned upon? > > In today's post, Steve Glynn said: > > "I know that being a lister is frowned upon in some circles." > > I was unaware of that. > > Why might listing be frowned upon? > > Thank you! > > Bill Petersen > Summit NJ > petersensharko at earthlink dot net > > How to report NJ bird sightings: > . > > > > _______________________________________________________________ Care2 makes it easy for everyone to live a healthy, green lifestyle > and impact the causes you care about most. Over 12 Million members! > http://www.care2.com > > Feed a child by searching the web! Learn how http://www.care2.com/toolbar > > How to report NJ bird sightings: _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Powerful Free email with security by Microsoft. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/201469230/direct/01/ How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Re: Listing is frowned upon? From: Petersen <petersensharko AT EARTHLINK.NET> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 12:04:33 -0500 Greg Pasquariello asked: "I guess my question is, why does anyone care what other people think about whether they list or not? I don't have to justify my actions, listing or otherwise, to anyone, and you don't have to justify yours to me." Well, I would say that I am interested in learning how others think about things, so as to have a better basis, more information and insight, for making my own decisions. How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Re: Listing is frowned upon? From: Linda Gangi <ltgangi AT PEACEMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 08:51:13 -0800 I don't think listing in and of itself is frowned upon. Gee we would not know anything about bird populations if we didn't keep track. When I first began birding I kept track of what I had seen and then I stopped. Years later I found that list and realized that there were birds that I was trying to find that I had already seen. Now that shouldn't really make a difference since I enjoy seeing them again. But I guess there is a lister gene in there somewhere that wants to keep track of things and my brain wasn't quite sure what to do with the fact that I had already seen it. So I think that both listing and just downright appreciation of nature is a nice balance. I've listened to people who sponsor bird walks and they prefer people that appreciate the bird they are seeing and don't want to just move on to the next bird for the sake of listing. Sometimes I purposely go out looking for a specific bird, but I find mostly I like to just happen upon it, I find it's more fun that way. It also cuts down on realizing you just spent 5 hours looking for a bird that you have already seen. :) For four years I took youth teams out for World Series of Birding. Now this is a big listing day. I remember one instance when we had a great view of a Red-breasted Grosbeak and the kids didn't care because they had already seen it. They couldn't just appreciate the bird's beauty it was just a tick off on the sheet. I definitely didn't like that and their parents didn't either. I hope this doesn't offend anyone because that is not my intention, for me I like both the listing and appreciation of nature, it seems like a nice balance, but that is me and everyone is different. Linda Gangi Manahawkin, NJ A man's interest in a single bluebird is worth more than a complete but dry list of the fauna and flora of a town. Henry David Thoreau <-----Original Message-----> From: William Petersen [petersensharko AT EARTHLINK.NET] Sent: 3/10/2010 11:23:53 PM To: JerseyBirds AT Princeton.EDU Subject: [JerseyBirds] Listing is frowned upon? In today's post, Steve Glynn said: "I know that being a lister is frowned upon in some circles." I was unaware of that. Why might listing be frowned upon? Thank you! Bill Petersen Summit NJ petersensharko at earthlink dot net How to report NJ bird sightings: . _______________________________________________________________ Care2 makes it easy for everyone to live a healthy, green lifestyle and impact the causes you care about most. Over 12 Million members! http://www.care2.com Feed a child by searching the web! Learn how http://www.care2.com/toolbar How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Avoid Feeding New Jersey s Birds if You Live in an Area Frequented by Black Bears From: Michelle Ruggiero <Michelle.Ruggiero AT DEP.STATE.NJ.US> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:35:56 -0500 The New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife reminds residents that with the onset of spring, black bears are emerging from their winter dens and actively searching for food. Residents living in areas frequented by black bears should take steps to avoid attracting bears with birdfeed, garbage or other foods. This is the best way to prevent black bears from becoming a nuisance near your home. Black bears learn very quickly and bears that are fed intentionally or unintentionally by carelessly leaving out food or garbage will associate people with food. Bears will eat almost anything including human food, garbage, pet food, birdseed and small livestock. Once they find an easily accessible food source, like garbage in a housing development, they will lose their wariness of people and may return to the available food source. One person feeding bears can create a problem bear that may affect the entire neighborhood. - Avoid feeding birds if you live in an area frequented by black bears. Birds will survive without the supplemental seed that attracts bears. Instead, consider attracting birds to backyards with nesting materials and birdhouses. - If you choose to feed birds, do so during daylight hours only, between December 1 and April 1, when bears are least active. - Suspend feeder from a free-hanging wire, making sure it is at least 10 feet off the ground and at least 10 feet away from the trunk of a tree. - Do not suspend feeders off of the house or deck. - Keep in mind that black bears are excellent climbers! - Bring bird feeders indoors at night. - Use spill pans to prevent seeds from reaching the ground. - Clean up spilled seeds and shells daily. - Store birdfeed within a secure location where bears are unlikely to see or smell it. To learn more about New Jersey's black bears, visit www.njfishandwildlife.com/bearfacts.htm. In addition to brochures and other information about living with black bears, the Division provides free bear education seminars to schools and civic groups. Michelle Ruggiero NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife Black Bear Education Program Michelle.Ruggiero AT dep.state.nj.us (908) 637-4125 How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Countable or Not From: Dennis Vollmar <dvollmar AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:35:10 +0000 Here are the ABA Big Day rules regarding countability as it pertains to "wild, alive, unrestrained" birds. The unrestrained part is probably most applicable to the discussion here. The full list of rules are here http://www.aba.org/bigday/rules.pdf RULE 3:The bird must have been alive, wild, and unrestrained when encountered. A. “Alive” means after hatching. Eggs are not counted as live birds. B. “Wild” means that the bird’s occurrence at the time and place of observation is not because it, or its recent ancestors, has ever been transported or otherwise assisted by man. (i) An otherwise wild bird that voluntarily uses or is attracted to a feeder, nest box, tape recorder, ship at sea, or other nonnatural device without being captured is still considered to be wild. Physical contact between an observer and a bird does not automatically preclude a bird from being counted, as there are situations where wild birds have learned to eat from outstretched hands, or have used people as temporary perches. (ii) A species observed far from its normal range may be counted if in the observer’s best judgment and knowledge it arrived there unassisted by man. A wild bird following or riding a ship at sea, without being captured, is considered to be traveling unassisted by man. (iii) Birds descendant from escapes or released birds are considered “wild” when they are part of a population which meets the ABA definition of an established introduced population. (iv) A bird that is not wild and which later moves unassisted to a new location or undergoes a natural migration is still not wild. C. “Unrestrained” means not held captive in a cage, trap, mistnet, hand, or by any other means and not under the influence of such captivity. A bird is considered under the influence of captivity after its release until it regains the activities and movements of a bird which has not been captured. (i) A bird is under the influence of captivity during its initial flight away from its release point and during subsequent activity reasonably influenced by the captivity, such as initial perching and preening or early sleeping or roosting near the release point. (ii) A nocturnal species released during daylight which goes to roost near the point of release is considered under the influence of captivity until the next nightfall, when it has left its roost and begun normal nocturnal activities. (iii) A wild bird that is injured, sick, oiled, or otherwise incapacitated, but which retains a reasonable freedom of movement, may be counted. (iv) Banders working on licenced projects under proper permits may count, for their personal lists, the birds that they band, without the restrictions described in (i) and (ii). D. “When observed” means that a bird alive and unrestrained when observed, but which later dies or is collected or captured, may be counted. Dennis Vollmar Hillsborough, NJ How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Re: Listing is frowned upon? From: Greg Pasquariello <greg AT PASQ.NET> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 08:01:12 -0700 I guess my question is, why does anyone care what other people think about whether they list or not? I don't have to justify my actions, listing or otherwise, to anyone, and you don't have to justify yours to me. -Greg On Mar 11, 2010, at 7:07 AM, Fred V wrote: > The 800 pound gorilla is being ignored. When 60 to 5,000 different individuals consume fossil fuels to add a relatively meaningless tick on a list it shows individual and community hypocrisy within a conservation framework. > > Its possible to lessen the impact by ride or trip sharing...but when one publically announces a trip sharing opportunity, the world knows you are a lister and labels you a hypocrite. Being called a hypocrite which has partial truth in it, could be risked to lessen the impact. We could see more public invites to fill up vacant seats without being judged by others that are also hypocrites, as we all are to varying degrees. > > And an important conservation component of listing is ecotourism................... foreign communities value their birds if people show interest in them. Its also great to give the small US business owner some patronage and let them know you're there because their area saved some habitat and that you hope more can be saved. > > Maybe the worst thing to do is ignore the hypocrisy since this denial concommitingly leads to no attempts at mitigation. > > Accordingly if anyone wants a quickie to see the Florida booby, give me an email and there is birding the Pyrennes, running with the bulls, limited space.....with one day sent aside to see the Tour de France in July. > > tks F. Virrazzi > New Jersey > > > > > Richard Wolfert wrote: > >> Well said, Rebecca! >> >> Rich Wolfert >> East Brunswick, NJ >> www.njnaturenotes.com >> >> -- >> >> On Mar 10, 2010, at 10:37 PM, Rebecca Buck wrote: >> >> >> >> >> > > How to report NJ bird sightings: How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Listing is frowned upon? From: Fred V <avtrader AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:07:53 -0500 The 800 pound gorilla is being ignored. When 60 to 5,000 different individuals consume fossil fuels to add a relatively meaningless tick on a list it shows individual and community hypocrisy within a conservation framework. Its possible to lessen the impact by ride or trip sharing...but when one publically announces a trip sharing opportunity, the world knows you are a lister and labels you a hypocrite. Being called a hypocrite which has partial truth in it, could be risked to lessen the impact. We could see more public invites to fill up vacant seats without being judged by others that are also hypocrites, as we all are to varying degrees. And an important conservation component of listing is ecotourism................... foreign communities value their birds if people show interest in them. Its also great to give the small US business owner some patronage and let them know you're there because their area saved some habitat and that you hope more can be saved. Maybe the worst thing to do is ignore the hypocrisy since this denial concommitingly leads to no attempts at mitigation. Accordingly if anyone wants a quickie to see the Florida booby, give me an email and there is birding the Pyrennes, running with the bulls, limited space.....with one day sent aside to see the Tour de France in July. tks F. Virrazzi New Jersey Richard Wolfert wrote: >Well said, Rebecca! > >Rich Wolfert >East Brunswick, NJ >www.njnaturenotes.com > >-- > >On Mar 10, 2010, at 10:37 PM, Rebecca Buck wrote: > > > > > > > How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Brig + Barnegat Light additions, 03/9/10 From: David Blinder <daveblinder AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 06:02:46 -0800 Belated posting but I thought I'd mention what else is still around if anyone is wondering.  Wasn't scanning much for distant birds, didn't pick up on any new arrivals. Barnegat Light additions:Black Scoters - 4Accipiter, imm - flew by close near lighthouse, I missed the shot but Eric nailed it.  not a small hawk.  Coop? - http://www.flickr.com/photos/34201377 AT N02/4420737699/Red-throated Loon - 1 Brig -E. Meadowlarks - 5, flushed near the roadTundra Swans - Still there, middle of impoundmentSnow Geese - Still there, out towards the marshShovelers - 16+Pintails - 30+Peregrine - 1, perched on distant signBluebirds - 3Hooded Merg - 6Common Merg - 4GBH - 3Killdeer - 3 Dave BlinderDenville, NJhttp://flickr.com/photos/davidraymond ----------------- Arrived at Barnegat Light around 11am, sightings included: DC Cormorant - 1 Great Cormorant - 2 Brant - 50+ Common Eider - 4 Harlequin Duck - 15+ Long-tailed Duck - 30+ Surf Scoter - 4 Ruddy Turnstone - 1 Purple Sandpiper - 30+ Dunlin - 30+ Common Loon - 4 Flickr friends - 4 At Huddy Park: Ruddy Duck - 150+ Canvasback - 8 Good birding, Shawn Wainwright How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: OT - RFI - Safety of birding in AZ From: "Barb S." <stormyeyes99 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 05:45:51 -0800 Thank you for all that responded for the good advise and birding information.  Barb S. Lafayette, NJ NO BEAR HUNT! Help save New Jersey's Bears. http://www.savenjbears.com/Home.html http://www.savenjbears.com/Action.html   How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Re: Countable or not? From: Cindy Ahern <songbird5212 AT MSN.COM> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 06:50:34 -0500 Steve & All: Steve poses a great question with regard as to whether the Red-footed Booby he observed in Florida is countable. According to the ABA rules (I think it's ABA rules, someone correct me if I'm wrong), a rehabilitated wild bird that has been released back to it's natural habitat is countable after the bird has flown from it's original release site, even if it flies 10 feet to a different tree. I raised this question once with a bird I released as a volunteer for a rehabber, and was told that once that bird flew from the roost where it landed upon release it was then considered a wild bird and countable because it then flew as an unrestrained bird that was no longer captive. When releasing a rehabbed bird, in many cases the bird will fly to a nearby perch, and may just sit there and "take it all in" for a while before it flies away to another perch. We try to release birds back to where they were found, unless the site is dangerous (if a bird is found in the road hit by vehicle, as an example). In that case, we find the closest suitable habitat (maybe a preserve) and release the bird at that site. A few years ago, a Northern Saw-whet Owl was found along CR 553 in Cumberland County, very close to Bevans WMA, so when the time came to release the bird, it went to a White Cedar Grove in Bevans for release. Probably a bit more than you asked for, but there you have it, so list as you see appropriate! Cindy Ahern Huntingdon Valley, Montgomery Co., PA How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Re: Fw: Listing is frowned upon? From: Richard Wolfert <rwolfert AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 22:41:35 -0500 Well said, Rebecca! Rich Wolfert East Brunswick, NJ www.njnaturenotes.com -- On Mar 10, 2010, at 10:37 PM, Rebecca Buck wrote: > ----- Original Message ----- From: "Rebecca Buck" > To: "William Petersen" > Sent: Wednesday, March 10, 2010 10:36 PM > Subject: Re: [JerseyBirds] Listing is frowned upon? > > >> Listing, counting. It may or may not be frowned upon, I've seen many posts that indicate that the 'non-lister' is somehow superior to the lister. Non-listers are simply non-listers. Listers list, and many of us are listersl. We're of the human species, we count. And count and count. That's one of the things that makes us different. I'm a museum registar and Noah Webster, who counted fences and houses and made the dictionary, is something like like my 7th cousin 6th times removed. Would I know that if I didn't pay attention to detail? He counted everything. >> >> The Red-footed Booby is listable, once it's established its freedom per ABA rules. It's countable. There is no superiority or inferiorty involved. Each of us does what we are programmed to do, and for many of us it's that detailed counting that makes the day. For many of us it's a combination of things. And some of us value is only in the personal importance of the sighting. Take your choice, doesn't matter. But if you're into counting, count! >> >> Rebecca Buck >> Somerset, NJ >> >> ----- Original Message ----- From: "William Petersen" >> To: >> Sent: Wednesday, March 10, 2010 10:15 PM >> Subject: [JerseyBirds] Listing is frowned upon? >> >> >>> In today's post, Steve Glynn said: >>> >>> "I know that being a lister is frowned upon in some circles." >>> >>> I was unaware of that. >>> >>> Why might listing be frowned upon? >>> >>> Thank you! >>> >>> Bill Petersen >>> Summit NJ >>> petersensharko at earthlink dot net >>> >>> How to report NJ bird sightings: >>> > > How to report NJ bird sightings: How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Fw: Listing is frowned upon? From: Rebecca Buck <Catbird17 AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 22:37:12 -0500 ----- Original Message ----- From: "Rebecca Buck" To: "William Petersen" Sent: Wednesday, March 10, 2010 10:36 PM Subject: Re: [JerseyBirds] Listing is frowned upon? > Listing, counting. It may or may not be frowned upon, I've seen many > posts that indicate that the 'non-lister' is somehow superior to the > lister. Non-listers are simply non-listers. Listers list, and many of us > are listersl. We're of the human species, we count. And count and count. > That's one of the things that makes us different. I'm a museum registar > and Noah Webster, who counted fences and houses and made the dictionary, > is something like like my 7th cousin 6th times removed. Would I know > that if I didn't pay attention to detail? He counted everything. > > The Red-footed Booby is listable, once it's established its freedom per > ABA rules. It's countable. There is no superiority or inferiorty > involved. Each of us does what we are programmed to do, and for many of us > it's that detailed counting that makes the day. For many of us it's a > combination of things. And some of us value is only in the personal > importance of the sighting. Take your choice, doesn't matter. But if > you're into counting, count! > > Rebecca Buck > Somerset, NJ > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "William Petersen" > To: > Sent: Wednesday, March 10, 2010 10:15 PM > Subject: [JerseyBirds] Listing is frowned upon? > > >> In today's post, Steve Glynn said: >> >> "I know that being a lister is frowned upon in some circles." >> >> I was unaware of that. >> >> Why might listing be frowned upon? >> >> Thank you! >> >> Bill Petersen >> Summit NJ >> petersensharko at earthlink dot net >> >> How to report NJ bird sightings: >> > How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Listing is frowned upon? From: William Petersen <petersensharko AT EARTHLINK.NET> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 22:15:08 -0500 In today's post, Steve Glynn said: "I know that being a lister is frowned upon in some circles." I was unaware of that. Why might listing be frowned upon? Thank you! Bill Petersen Summit NJ petersensharko at earthlink dot net How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Re: Countable or not? From: Donna Schulman <queensgirl30 AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 21:34:12 -0500 Steve and NJ birders - There was an extensive discussion of this bird and its countability on the Tropical Audubon Birdboard http://www.tropicalaudubon org, which can be retrieved from their archives. In short, technically according to ABA standards it was deemed a 'wild bird' (it does not roost at the rehab center, it flies in during the day from nearby). Some birders did not think it was countable. It was not included in the area's CBC. It was concluded that each birder needs to make his/her own decision. I saw the Red-footed Booby last January on a Florida visit. I haven't decided if I will count it , but I am glad I saw it because I doubt if I will ever see one so close again. Since this is not a NJ bird, I don't think this discussion belongs here. I did want to clarify some of the background. Donna Schulman North Brunswick, NJ On 3/10/10, Steve Glynn wrote: > I know that being a lister is frowned upon in some circles, but I admit to > keeping a life list (and state list, and county list...), but while in > Florida > this past week I was able to see a sub-adult Red-footed Booby. Here's the > catch: The bird had been taken care of as a rehab bird at the end of 2009 > and had subsequently been released back into the wild. The bird however has > taken to doing its flying and food searching still in the general area and > often > roosts back on top of the old holding cages at the re-hab facility. It's > outside > the confines of the facility and does fly off and such, but returns most > days > to rest. > > I'm torn on whether this is a "countable" sighting. I might not get to > where > it's supposed to be hanging out, and my 17-year old insists that I can't > count > it...(he's just jealous). > > What do others think? > > How to report NJ bird sightings: > -- Sent from my mobile device How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Merrill Creek reservoir From: twbt <twbt AT OPTONLINE.NET> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 21:29:20 -0500 I visited Merrill Creek today and saw the huge flock of Snow Geese. I was able to get the ID numbers off a few neck bands and reported them to the USGS Bird Banding Laboratory. Merrill Creek Reservoir: - Snow Geese - Ring-necked - Bufflehead - Scaup - Ruddy - Green-wing Teal - American Black - Cardinal - Northern Pintail - Crows Tom How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Various birds, various locations From: Sandra McNicol <oakgrove AT SPRINTMAIL.COM> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 21:07:05 -0500 Hello all: Birding as I traveled for business today. Demott Pond in Clinton, NJ held 8 pair Gadwall; 1 Green-winged teal male and 4 pair Bufflehead as well as Mallards and Canada Geese and 1 Ring-billed Gull. Hoffman Farm ­ Bluebird 1; Crows-very quiet Pole Farm this evening ­ 4 Northern Harrier (2 Gray); 4 Red-tail Hawks; 1 Kestrel; Many Red-winged Blackbirds claiming territory; Crows heading to roost. Large flock of Grackle; Woodcock heard after sunset. Sandra McNicol Kingwood Township How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Countable or not? From: Steve Glynn <southjerseyglynn AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 20:57:08 -0500 I know that being a lister is frowned upon in some circles, but I admit to keeping a life list (and state list, and county list...), but while in Florida this past week I was able to see a sub-adult Red-footed Booby. Here's the catch: The bird had been taken care of as a rehab bird at the end of 2009 and had subsequently been released back into the wild. The bird however has taken to doing its flying and food searching still in the general area and often roosts back on top of the old holding cages at the re-hab facility. It's outside the confines of the facility and does fly off and such, but returns most days to rest. I'm torn on whether this is a "countable" sighting. I might not get to where it's supposed to be hanging out, and my 17-year old insists that I can't count it...(he's just jealous). What do others think? How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Still more Black-headed Gulls in Cape May, etc. From: Christopher Vogel <glaucidium AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:58:18 -0800 There was a drop-in first-year Black-headed Gull in the South Cape May Meadows this morning, as well as an adult at Norbury's Landing at low tide; raising the tally in the Cape May area to at least three individuals, quite possibly more. So far this spring there have only been sightings of adults. 2 Eurasian Wigeon continue on the Lighthouse Pond, and a half a dozen Tundra Swans persist on Bunker Pond. Coming up soon on the time for the swans at least to be checking out of winter residence, I should think. Norbury's also held a near-adult Lesser Black-backed Gull, in addition to a couple of fine Laughers, dozens of Bonaparte's Gulls and 60 or so Forster's Terns. There were gobs of Dunlin and excellent numbers of Black-bellies on the flats as well. 2 migrant Horned Grebes were also there, a bird which seem to be getting scarcer and scarcer-at least this far south. I was quite surprised to stumble upon a Great Horned Owl decidedly incubating on an old, co-opted Cooper's Hawk nest today. Good to see some early nesters are still hanging in there! Cheers CJV Cape May, NJ How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Scotland Run Park; Gloucester County From: Blake Mathys <blakemathys AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:30:00 -0500 I birded Scotland Run Park in Gloucester County for a few hours today. Not all that much around, just interested in checking local areas for spring birding opportunities. Highlight for me was my first salamander of the year, a Redbacked of course. After I got back, I realized that Scotland Run is right beside Glassboro Woods...only 5 miles from my house. Very good. Full species list below: Golden-crowned Kinglet Ring-necked Duck Hooded Merganser Hermit Thrush Carolina Wren American Robin Tufted Titmouse Carolina Chickadee Red-tailed Hawk Downy Woodpecker Northern Flicker White-breasted Nuthatch Common Grackle Canada Goose Mallard Yellow-rumped Warbler Dark-eyed Junco White-throated Sparrow Mourning Dove Blake Mathys Williamstown, NJ http://blakemathys.com _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Powerful Free email with security by Microsoft. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/201469230/direct/01/ How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Re: Rockaway Eurasian Wigeon From: Steve & Cathy Fasciana <sfasciana AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:58:25 -0800 I had the Eurasian Wigeon today, 3/10, at noon at the same location. The bird was on the far side of the lake so a scope was helpful. Also present was a harrier that flew off as I arrived and a raven has heard.   Steve Fasciana Rockaway --- On Tue, 3/9/10, Daniel Brill wrote: From: Daniel Brill Subject: [JerseyBirds] Rockaway Eurasian Wigeon To: JerseyBirds AT Princeton.EDU Date: Tuesday, March 9, 2010, 11:07 PM A drake Eurasian wigeon was among a dozen waterfowl species at Mount Hope Lake in Rockaway Twp. late Tuesday afternoon.  Mount Hope Lake was the only waterbody visited with any appreciable open water and was packed with waterfowl.  Other local waterbodies like Splitrock Reservoir and Lake Denmark are still frozen over. Dan Brill South River How to report NJ bird sightings: How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Re: OT: Florida From: Jane Bader <jbader5 AT OPTONLINE.NET> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:40:56 -0500 Sorry to all. You are right. Guess I got carried away, swept up in nostalgia, as I used to live there. Please excuse me. Jane Bader Cedar Grove ----- Original Message ----- From: "Steve Glynn" To: Sent: Wednesday, March 10, 2010 10:13 AM Subject: Re: [JerseyBirds] OT: Florida >I think this topic and length of response is probably wrong for the NJ >listserv. > > I just got back from a business trip to Florida and got in some birding > time. If > anyone is interested in where I went and what I saw (120 species), respond > off list. > > Thanks. > > Steve Glynn > Millville, NJ > > How to report NJ bird sightings: > How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Re: OT: Florida From: Steve Glynn <southjerseyglynn AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:13:05 -0500 I think this topic and length of response is probably wrong for the NJ listserv. I just got back from a business trip to Florida and got in some birding time. If anyone is interested in where I went and what I saw (120 species), respond off list. Thanks. Steve Glynn Millville, NJ How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: OT - RFI - Safety of birding in AZ From: "Barb S." <stormyeyes99 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 06:45:50 -0800 Hello all, My husband and I have planned a three week birding trip to many areas of AZ next month.  We have the NAT GEO channel and if any of you watch that channel, you will know they have a show called  Border Wars.  It makes it seem like AZ is a very scary place to be. We will leave most valuables at home and what we can at the hotel.  We have purchased a locking steel cargo holder for the back of the SUV to carry around camera equipment etc. We have a guide for 2 days for the Tuscon area.  She has been very tight lipped when we ask her questions.  The rest of the days we will be on our own. How worried do we need to be about the safety of our belonging and ourselves? Any feed back will be greatly appreciated. You may reply off-line unless you feel it is better to share with everyone. Barb S. Lafayette, NJ NO BEAR HUNT! Help save New Jersey's Bears. http://www.savenjbears.com  How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Re: OT: Florida From: Jane Bader <jbader5 AT OPTONLINE.NET> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:24:50 -0500 Hi Ilene, My parents also used to live in FL, within 10 minutes of all of those great birding areas. In February 2004, it became necessary for me to get an apartment there, so I could be of help to my parents. I lived there for 2 years, until March of 2006 (and we had all of those hurricanes, too!). Anyway, I went to those places just about every day for 2 years, and sometimes, twice a day, morning and evening. That was the best birding of my life. I got to know individual birds through their entire life cycles. It was a unique situation, as the birds of Wakodahatchee and Green Cay are accustomed to humans in close proximity during daylight hours. They will, for the most part, carry on with their natural behaviors, which one can view very closely from the boardwalks over the wetlands. Least Bittern nest in the wetlands of both boardwalks (great, close views!) - as well as Black-necked Stilts (I counted 21 nests in 2005 in Green Cay, though I know there were more). White and Glossy Ibis are common. Wilson's Snipe are common in winter; American Bittern winter there as well. Limpkin are present at Wakodahatchee and Green Cay, but are much more common at Loxahatchee. Purple Gallinules nest in all three areas, as well as Common Moorhen and American Coot, and one can watch behaviors (very different between those rails), that might never be glimpsed in other situations. Purple Gallinules climbing Fireflag stalks to feed on the blossoms; Moorhen males fighting on their backs with their feet; Moorhen mated pairs tenderly allopreening under the foliage - it's all there. Kestrels (all seasons) and Merlin (in winter) are common at Green Cay, and Cooper's Hawks are at both boardwalks, sometimes feeding on a kill in plain view. Many migrating Warblers pass through those areas in season. Both Dowitchers, Solitary Sandpipers, Stilt Sandpipers, Least Sandpipers, etc., are present in winter, and also pass through. One great draw is a family of Black-bellied Whistling Ducks, who regularly forage at the boardwalks with their young. One can get within a few feet, for great views. Fulvous Whistling Ducks can also be seen at the boardwalks and Loxahatchee, but they're far less common these days. In addition to Eurasian-collared Doves (which are very common throughout that area of south FL), one can see White-winged Doves, which are also common. Common Ground Doves can be seen at Loxahatchee. At that refuge, there are nesting Snail Kites. They can regularly be seen foraging in the canals, and perched and feeding on Apple Snails along route 441. You can find the feeding perches by watching for snail shell debris piles. One can also see nesting Red-shouldered Hawks at Loxahatchee. Nesting Limpkins are there, and watching that precocial species feeding its young Apple Snails, was quite surprising for me. Painted Buntings can still be seen at Loxahatchee, though they are far less common now, than they were when I went to visit my parents in the early 1990's. The best place to see Painted Buntings in that area of south FL, is at the nature center in Okeeheelee Park (off Forest Hill Blvd. in West Palm Beach) where they come in numbers, to the bird feeder in winter. One can get fantastic views of those birds, along with wintering Indigo Buntings. Jane Bader Cedar Grove ----- Original Message ----- From: "Ilene Schneider" To: Sent: Wednesday, March 10, 2010 1:42 AM Subject: [JerseyBirds] OT: Florida I forget that not everyone's on facebook, and didn't think to post about my Florida birding here. I got to my 3 favorite So. FL places: Loxahatchee, Wakodahatchee, and Green Cay. I didn't see anything I haven't seen before, except the bobcat at Green Cay. Not a bird, but a lifer nonetheless. In addition to the usual -- anhingas and great blue herons feeding their chicks, all the herons and egrets (except cattle), purple martins checking out their condos, wood storks flying in to roost for the night, red-winged blackbirds and boat-tailed grackles making a racket -- I also saw a limkin in the detention pond behind my parents' house. In the past, I've seen limkins only at Loxahatchee. I also saw my second Eurasian collared dove, in the same place (the parking lot of the hotel I stayed at in Deerfield Beach for a conference) as the first one, a year ago. The birding (and the lack of snow) almost, but not quite, are enough to make me rethink my opposition to living in FL. For now, though, visiting in February is enough. Ilene Schneider Marlton How to report NJ bird sightings: How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Woodbridge Crow Roost From: Patrick Belardo <pbelardo AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 05:19:26 -0800 Last evening, I was eating dinner at Panera in Woodbridge in the Wegman's shopping center on Woodbridge Center Drive. There's a fairly sizeable (~1000 birds) crow roost right across the street from Panera. I heard both American and Fish Crows. It's quite the spectacle watching them come to roost and I imagine it's quite impressive when they disperse in the morning too.  Patrick Belardo pbelardo-at-yahoo Piscataway, NJ http://www.hawkowlsnest.com How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: OT: Florida From: Ilene Schneider <iss50 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Tue, 9 Mar 2010 22:42:37 -0800 I forget that not everyone's on facebook, and didn't think to post about my Florida birding here.   I got to my 3 favorite So. FL places: Loxahatchee, Wakodahatchee, and Green Cay. I didn't see anything I haven't seen before, except the bobcat at Green Cay. Not a bird, but a lifer nonetheless.   In addition to the usual -- anhingas and great blue herons feeding their chicks, all the herons and egrets (except cattle), purple martins checking out their condos, wood storks flying in to roost for the night, red-winged blackbirds and boat-tailed grackles making a racket -- I also saw a limkin in the detention pond behind my parents' house. In the past, I've seen limkins only at Loxahatchee. I also saw my second Eurasian collared dove, in the same place (the parking lot of the hotel I stayed at in Deerfield Beach for a conference) as the first one, a year ago.   The birding (and the lack of snow) almost, but not quite, are enough to make me rethink my opposition to living in FL. For now, though, visiting in February is enough.   Ilene Schneider Marlton How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Rockaway Eurasian Wigeon From: Daniel Brill <dbbrill AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Tue, 9 Mar 2010 23:07:37 -0500 A drake Eurasian wigeon was among a dozen waterfowl species at Mount Hope Lake in Rockaway Twp. late Tuesday afternoon. Mount Hope Lake was the only waterbody visited with any appreciable open water and was packed with waterfowl. Other local waterbodies like Splitrock Reservoir and Lake Denmark are still frozen over. Dan Brill South River How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Barnegat Light and Huddy Park 3-9-10 From: Shawn Wainwright <Shawneagleeyes1 AT AOL.COM> Date: Tue, 9 Mar 2010 20:19:37 EST Arrived at Barnegat Light around 11am, sightings included: DC Cormorant - 1 Great Cormorant - 2 Brant - 50+ Common Eider - 4 Harlequin Duck - 15+ Long-tailed Duck - 30+ Surf Scoter - 4 Ruddy Turnstone - 1 Purple Sandpiper - 30+ Dunlin - 30+ Common Loon - 4 Flickr friends - 4 At Huddy Park: Ruddy Duck - 150+ Canvasback - 8 Good birding, Shawn Wainwright Toms River _ShawnEagleEyes1 AT aol.com_ (mailto:ShawnEagleEyes1 AT aol.com) _http://www.flickr.com/photos/shawn_wainwright/_ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/shawn_wainwright/) How to report NJ bird sightings: